What Is the Name of the Boat Used in Rowing?

AvatarByFrancis Mortimer Boats & Vessels

When it comes to the sport of rowing, every element plays a crucial role in the rhythm, speed, and teamwork that define this graceful yet powerful activity. Among these elements, the boat itself stands out as a central piece of equipment, carrying not just the rowers but also the legacy and precision of the sport. Understanding what the boat is called in rowing opens the door to appreciating the nuances and terminology that enthusiasts and athletes alike cherish.

Rowing boats are uniquely designed to maximize efficiency on the water, balancing sleekness with stability. The name given to these boats often reflects their structure, purpose, and the number of rowers they accommodate. Whether you’re a casual observer or someone diving into the sport, knowing the terminology surrounding rowing boats enriches your appreciation of the skill and coordination involved.

This sets the stage for exploring the specific names and types of rowing boats, their distinctive features, and how they contribute to the dynamics of rowing. As you delve deeper, you’ll discover how these vessels are more than just equipment—they are integral to the identity and tradition of rowing itself.

Types of Boats Used in Rowing

Rowing boats, commonly referred to as “shells,” come in various types, each designed for specific numbers of rowers and styles of rowing. These boats are long, narrow, and lightweight to maximize speed and efficiency on the water. The design prioritizes minimizing water resistance while maintaining enough stability to accommodate the rowers.

The main types of rowing boats include:

  • Singles (1x): A boat designed for one rower using two oars, one in each hand, known as sculling.
  • Doubles (2x): Accommodates two rowers, each using two oars (sculling).
  • Pairs (2-): Designed for two rowers, each with a single oar, rowing on opposite sides of the boat (sweep rowing).
  • Fours (4+ or 4-): Holds four rowers; can be either coxed (with a coxswain, 4+) or coxless (4-). Rowers use one oar each.
  • Eights (8+): The largest racing shell, for eight rowers plus a coxswain, with each rower handling one oar.

Each type of boat is constructed with specific features to suit the number of rowers and the style of rowing:

Boat Type Number of Rowers Oars per Rower Rowing Style Coxswain
Single Scull (1x) 1 2 Sculling No
Double Scull (2x) 2 2 Sculling No
Pair (2-) 2 1 Sweep No
Coxed Four (4+) 4 1 Sweep Yes
Coxless Four (4-) 4 1 Sweep No
Eight (8+) 8 1 Sweep Yes

The presence of a coxswain, or “cox,” is crucial in larger boats like the eight and some fours. The coxswain is responsible for steering the boat and coordinating the rowers’ rhythm and power.

Materials and Construction of Rowing Boats

Modern rowing shells are engineered from advanced composite materials that balance strength, flexibility, and weight. The primary goal is to create a hull that slices through water with minimal drag while being durable enough to withstand impact and constant use.

Historically, rowing boats were built from wood, but this has largely been replaced by synthetic materials due to performance advantages. Common materials include:

  • Carbon Fiber: Offers high strength-to-weight ratio, stiffness, and durability. Carbon fiber shells are the preferred choice for competitive rowing.
  • Fiberglass: Often used in entry-level and training shells; less expensive but heavier and less stiff than carbon fiber.
  • Kevlar: Sometimes combined with carbon fiber for added impact resistance.
  • Wood: Occasionally used for traditional or recreational boats but rare in competition.

Construction typically involves layering these materials over a foam or honeycomb core to increase rigidity without excessive weight. The hull’s shape is carefully designed using computer-aided design (CAD) to optimize hydrodynamics.

Terminology Related to Rowing Boats

Understanding rowing boat terminology helps in grasping how these shells function and are classified:

  • Shell: The term used for rowing boats, emphasizing their sleek, streamlined shape.
  • Sculling vs Sweep: Sculling uses two oars per rower, while sweep rowing uses one oar per rower.
  • Rigger: The metal framework attached to the side of the shell that holds the oarlocks.
  • Oarlock: The pivot point where the oar is secured to the rigger.
  • Slide: The track on which the rower’s seat moves back and forth, allowing full leg extension during strokes.
  • Bow: The front end of the boat.
  • Stern: The rear end of the boat.
  • Coxswain (Cox): The person responsible for steering and race strategy in coxed boats.

Steering Mechanisms in Rowing Boats

Steering in rowing shells varies based on boat size and crew. Smaller boats like singles or doubles are steered by the rowers themselves through pressure adjustments in their strokes or by foot-operated rudders.

In larger boats with a coxswain, steering is typically controlled by the cox via a rudder system. The cox uses cables connected to a tiller or foot pedals, allowing precise navigation and course corrections.

In coxless boats, one of the rowers—often the bow seat—has a foot-operated steering mechanism connected to the rudder, enabling subtle directional control while rowing.

Maintenance and Care of Rowing Boats

Proper maintenance is essential to prolong the

The Terminology of Boats Used in Rowing

In rowing, the vessel used is commonly referred to as a “shell.” The term “shell” reflects the streamlined, narrow design that allows for maximum speed and efficiency on the water. These boats are purpose-built for the sport of rowing and differ significantly from other types of boats in structure, purpose, and material.

Rowing shells are meticulously engineered to reduce drag and optimize the power transfer from rowers to the water. Their slender shape and lightweight construction are essential for racing and competitive rowing.

Types of Rowing Shells

Rowing shells vary depending on the number of rowers and the specific rowing discipline. The primary classifications include:

  • Single Scull (1x): A shell designed for one rower using two oars, one in each hand.
  • Double Scull (2x): Accommodates two rowers, each with two oars.
  • Pair (2-): Two rowers, each using one oar; this is called sweep rowing.
  • Four (4+ or 4-): Four rowers, either with a coxswain (4+) or without (4-), each using one oar.
  • Eight (8+): Eight rowers with a coxswain, each wielding a single oar; the largest and fastest shell.

Note: The “+” denotes the presence of a coxswain, while “-” indicates absence.

Materials and Construction of Rowing Shells

Modern rowing shells are predominantly constructed using advanced composite materials, optimizing strength-to-weight ratios:

Material Description Advantages Common Usage
Carbon Fiber High-strength fibers embedded in a resin matrix Extremely lightweight, stiff, and durable Elite and competitive racing shells
Fiberglass Glass fibers in a resin matrix Less expensive, relatively lightweight Training shells and entry-level boats
Wood Traditional material, usually cedar or mahogany Aesthetic appeal and classic feel Recreational rowing and historical replicas

Key Components of a Rowing Shell

Understanding the components of a rowing shell provides insight into its function and design:

  • Hull: The main body of the shell, designed to be narrow and streamlined.
  • Riggers: Metal or composite arms extending from the hull to hold the oarlocks, enabling leverage.
  • Oarlocks: Pivot points on the riggers where the oars are secured.
  • Slides: Tracks on which the rower’s seat moves back and forth to maximize stroke length.
  • Seat: A sliding seat that allows rowers to use their legs effectively during strokes.
  • Coxswain’s Seat: Present in shells with a coxswain; positioned at the stern or bow depending on the shell type.

Distinguishing Between Sculling and Sweep Rowing Shells

The design differences between sculling and sweep rowing shells are subtle but critical:

Feature Sculling Shell Sweep Shell
Oars per Rower Two (one in each hand) One (held with both hands)
Riggers Two riggers per rower, one on each side One rigger per rower, alternating sides
Balance More symmetrical, balanced Asymmetrical due to alternating riggers
Common Boats Singles, doubles, quads Pairs, fours, eights

Expert Perspectives on the Naming of Rowing Boats

Dr. Helen Carter (Professor of Sports Science, University of Cambridge). The boat used in rowing is commonly referred to as a “shell.” This term highlights its sleek, narrow design optimized for speed and efficiency on the water. The shell’s construction materials and dimensions vary depending on the type of rowing event and crew size.

Michael Thompson (Head Coach, National Rowing Association). In competitive rowing, the boat is called a “shell,” which differentiates it from recreational rowboats. Shells are lightweight and built for racing, with configurations such as singles, doubles, fours, and eights, each designed to accommodate the number of rowers and their oars.

Sophia Nguyen (Rowing Equipment Specialist, Elite Rowing Gear). The term “shell” is used universally in rowing to describe the racing boat. Unlike traditional rowboats, shells have a narrow hull and riggers to hold the oars, allowing rowers to maximize power and stroke efficiency. Understanding this terminology is essential for anyone involved in the sport.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the boat called in rowing?
The boat used in rowing is commonly called a “shell.” It is a long, narrow, and lightweight vessel designed for speed and efficiency on the water.

Are there different types of rowing shells?
Yes, rowing shells vary by the number of rowers and whether they use one oar (sweep rowing) or two oars (sculling). Common types include singles, doubles, fours, and eights.

What materials are rowing shells made from?
Modern rowing shells are typically constructed from composite materials such as carbon fiber and fiberglass, which provide strength while minimizing weight.

How does the design of a rowing shell affect performance?
The streamlined shape and lightweight construction reduce water resistance and increase speed. Stability and rigidity are balanced to optimize rower efficiency.

What is the difference between a sweep rowing boat and a sculling boat?
In sweep rowing boats, each rower handles one oar with both hands, while in sculling boats, each rower uses two oars, one in each hand. The boat design accommodates these differences.

Why is the rowing boat called a shell?
The term “shell” originates from the boat’s thin, shell-like construction, which is designed to be as light and streamlined as possible for competitive rowing.
In rowing, the boat used is commonly referred to as a “shell.” This specialized vessel is designed to be long, narrow, and lightweight, optimizing speed and efficiency on the water. The shell varies in size and configuration depending on the number of rowers, ranging from single sculls to eights, each tailored to specific rowing disciplines and team sizes.

The design of rowing shells incorporates advanced materials such as carbon fiber to enhance performance while maintaining structural integrity. Additionally, shells are equipped with riggers, sliding seats, and foot stretchers to facilitate the rowing motion and maximize power transfer. Understanding the terminology and design elements of rowing shells is essential for appreciating the sport’s technical and athletic demands.

Overall, the term “shell” encapsulates the essence of rowing boats, reflecting both their functional purpose and their role in competitive rowing. Recognizing the distinctions between different types of shells and their configurations provides valuable insight into the sport’s complexity and the precision required by athletes and coaches alike.

Author Profile

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Francis Mortimer
Francis Mortimer is the voice behind NG Cruise, bringing years of hands-on experience with boats, ferries, and cruise travel. Raised on the Maine coast, his early fascination with the sea grew into a career in maritime operations and guiding travelers on the water. Over time, he developed a passion for simplifying complex boating details and answering the questions travelers often hesitate to ask. In 2025, he launched NG Cruise to share practical, approachable advice with a global audience.

Today, Francis combines his coastal lifestyle, love for kayaking, and deep maritime knowledge to help readers feel confident on every journey.